Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ellicott City, MD: $39.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ellicott City, MD runs $39.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ellicott City's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellicott City, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $39.23, surpassing the national median of $35.74 in 2026. This competitive rate significantly benefits part-time and per-diem professionals, who typically engage in work settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, the chance to earn a guaranteed hourly wage offers a sustainable income while maintaining the flexibility often sought after in therapy careers. Additionally, the hourly pay spectrum in Ellicott City ranges from $27.42 at the entry-level up to $46.97 for highly experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.42 | $219.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.80 | $262.37 |
| Median (P50) | $39.23 | $313.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.08 | $336.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.97 | $375.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellicott City
Based on $39.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.23/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellicott City, MD can expect to earn approximately $81,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,079. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellicott City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellicott City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,569.29 | $6,800 | $81,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $941.58 | $4,080 | $48,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.72 | $2,720 | $32,641 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ellicott City) | $39.23 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $81,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $81,268.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.23/hr = $48,962/year (purchasing power: $44,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,603/year (purchasing power: $74,660).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ellicott City grew 17.5% from $32.47/hr (2019) to $38.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.33/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Ellicott City
Occupational therapy assistants operating on a part-time basis—say, 24 hours a week—can expect varying annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Assuming an hourly rate of $39.23, a part-time OTA may see earnings of roughly $49,000 annually, while full-timers can earn significantly more. For per-diem work, compensation can range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the specific contract and setting. Travel occupational therapy assistant positions can offer weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, but these often lack benefits, creating a trade-off for many practitioners. Variations in hourly rates across employer types in Ellicott City also highlight the financial landscape; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages than hospital settings but can provide essential benefits. Occupational therapy assistants must consider these factors carefully while negotiating pay, as some may accept slightly lower rates for health insurance coverage, indicating a balance between hourly earnings and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ellicott City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ellicott City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ellicott City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ellicott City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ellicott City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Ellicott City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellicott City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov